Ajax accept ‘responsibility’ for ‘inadequate’ Nouri care

Ajax have accepted “responsibility” for their part in the “inadequate” response to Abdelhak Nouri’s cardiac arrest.

Nouri collapsed during a pre-season match against Werder Bremen last July.

The 21-year-old suffered severe and permanent brain damage as a result, and the player’s family have since sued the club.

As part of an investigation into the incident, Ajax say that independent cardiologists found the club “insufficiently focused on measuring the heartbeat, circulation, and resuscitation”.

“We recognise our responsibility and liability for the consequences of this,” general manager Edwin van der Sar said.

“For a long time we were convinced that Abdelhak had received the best possible care on the field.”

The former Manchester United keeper added that a defibrillator should have been used sooner.

“Had this happened, it’s possible that Abdelhak would have come out in a better condition. This isn’t certain, but it’s a possibility.

“We now need to do what’s necessary in order to fulfil the responsibility we have as a club, but also as human beings.”